“No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.” – Lin Yutang

It feels great to be back on the mountain. Chris and I are starting our 10th year as the residents managers. I look forward to sharing this season with each and every one of you. I know I speak for everyone when I say, I sure will miss JP's eloquent prose. He certainly does have a way with words. It sounds as though he is planning on returning next winter in hopes of experiencing a true "LeConte winter".

The weather forecast is predicting winter may still visit the mountain. The trees were covered in hoar frost this morning. The temperature up top is currently 13 degrees. It never pushed above 30 yesterday. The crew is slowly making their way back to work. It is time to get the lodge ready for the first over night guests.

I must say, I was ready to return to my mountain home. Chris and returned from the Grand Canyon a few days ago. We had an eventful winter. We trained everyday for my first marathon. It was a great winter for running outside. I know JP would have preferred a different scenario, but I appreciated the spring like weather during January. The marathon was in February. I finished my first and Chris finished his second full race. I am hooked. I see more in our future. A week and half after the race, we took off for the Grand Canyon. Our backpacks packed to the brim, we led a group of friends into the canyon. Our first night was spent at the campground next to Phantom Ranch. It was fun to experience the LeConte of the west. Although, they cheat a little by having electricity. It was enjoyable, non the less. The next day we hiked half way out and spent the night at another camp site. Chris made a delicious dinner for us to enjoy on the plateau. I felt like I was at the Cliff Tops of the canyon. It was an exquisite location for the best burrito I have ever eaten. After our tough hike out of the canyon we headed to Vegas for a few days of rest and relaxation. I will admit, Vegas makes me appreciate my mountain home.

It feels great to be home and gearing up for the new season. I am excited to see what year number 10 will bring. I hope you all enjoy the next 8 1/2 months with me.

There was not as much water coming down the mountain as I thought there would be. A view of Arch rock.

Enjoying the beauty and enormity of the canyon.

Gina

3/4/2012 12:31:29 am

Welcome home Allyson. I look forward to my first trip to LeConte next month and to staying at the lodge!

Welcome back. I look forward to hearing about the daily adventures on the mountain.

Tony Ga

3/4/2012 01:22:38 am

Welcome back!

Brian C

3/4/2012 01:31:45 am

Glad you guys are ready for the season. My hard part is done and your food and supplies are heading up the mountain now for the airlift tomorrow. I hope i didn't double up on the eggs this year! I look forward to meeting you guys next month. Coming up with some friends for my first time!
Good luck this season!!

Pat N.

3/4/2012 01:47:54 am

So glad you are back to your mountain home! Happy 10th year, too. Glad you enjoyed your Grand Canyon experience and admire your spirit towards marathon running. Hope the airlift goes well...wish I was there to help this year.

Becky M

3/4/2012 01:56:37 am

Welcome back and happy 10th year! Looking forward to your pictures and posts of this awesome mountain - so many of us love and are drawn back to. This FL girl will be back in mid October. Until then I will anxiously check this blog for my daily visit!!!

Nadine

3/4/2012 02:02:13 am

Welcome back. It's only 18 more days till we hike up to spend the night. We cannot wait! See you then.

pam

3/4/2012 02:39:47 am

Wow 10 yrs on the mountain and every one of those yrs are different. May you and the crew have a great year! Congrats on the marathon! Looking forward to your daily posting and pics. Welcome home!

Audie C.

3/4/2012 03:07:55 am

Welcome back!!! I'm on a count down for my first trip up on Nov. 11th.

Ken T

3/4/2012 03:36:42 am

Welcome back. Congrats on your marathon ! Harriett and I will see you guys in August (3rd) for our wedding anniversary (52nd)

Jim H

3/4/2012 03:50:12 am

Glad to see both of you back. Never hiked the canyon but did white water raft it. It is a beautiful place, but not as lovely as LeConte.

Jeanette Meyer

3/4/2012 04:21:45 am

Welcome back Allyson, Chris & Crew! You both look great! Have a great season in the beautiful Smokies! God Bless! John's Aunt Nettie

candace

3/4/2012 04:32:51 am

WELCOME HOME!! i live in amarillo but am from knoxville. the west is AMAZING but our Smokies are special too aren't they!!??? i loved JP's posts and can't wait to keep up with you guys this season. i am HOPING that i get to make another trip up for the day soon. i have been to leconte twice (thanksgiving of 1996 when i was 20ish) and once when my mother was pregnant with me :-)

stay safe up there and thank you for sharing your time with us all!

Sherleen Cardwell

3/4/2012 08:03:18 am

Wecome back Allyson,Chris and crew ! We have enjoyed JP's dailey blog and now eagerly to view yours again.A daily ritual for me and hubby. :-)

kelly

3/4/2012 08:05:07 am

Welcome back (home) Allyson and Chris, enjoy your 10th season! Can't wait to see photos of the airlift.

Welcome back to the mountain. I can't wait until May, as I and hiking buds will see you for two days. I always look at the mountain and am jealous of you and Chris! What a life, to live all of our dreams everyday!

Barbara

3/4/2012 03:08:03 pm

YEA!! On your first marathon. I remember reading about your training while still on Leconte. You're so brave. Glad you and Chris are back for another year. We will see you in August.

Pat P

3/5/2012 06:21:54 am

Read the post every day and counting down the days until we hike up in May. What a wonderful place!

Comments are closed.

John Paul Krol

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